LIVE comedy is set to return to Whitchurch for the first time in five months, with two special outdoor gigs.

Britain's Got Talent winner Lost Voice Guy and Simon Evans of Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week renown will headline special socially-distanced shows at the Dodington Lodge.

The two 'Laughs At The Lodge - Al Fresco' shows, run by Funny Beesness, will take place on Friday, August 14 and Friday, August 21.

On August 14 a triple headline bill will see Evans supported by Archie Kelly, best known for playing Kenny Dalglish Senior in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, and Jo Enright of The Job Lot, Phoenix Nights and more.

Meanwhile on August 21, Lost Voice Guy will be supported by Funny Beeseness favourites Troy Hawke and Vince Atta.

The gigs are being held outside in the grounds of Dodington Lodge and audience numbers are being limited to 100 per gig to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

Whitchurch has not held a live comedy show since Paul Sinha headlined the Civic Centre at the start of March, with the country going into lockdown shortly after.

Lockdown measures have now been relaxed, and Funny Beesness MC Wayne Beese said he could not wait to host gigs in Whitchurch once again.

"When we heard the government were allowing outdoor shows we ran a poll amongst our regulars to see if there would be any interest in us putting some on," said Wayne.

"The response was unbelievable, with hundreds of people responding to say they would come if we did.

"It's been a very frustrating time but we now can't wait to get cracking again.

"We're aware safety is key. That's why we've restricted capacity to allow us to keep two metres between family bubbles, and there will be plans put in place by the hotel for things like bar and toilet queues to ensure safety.

"The bills for the two shows are absolutely fantastic and tickets have been flying out since we announced them.

"I'd like to thank everyone for their support – this will help us start the hard road back after our programme was decimated by the coronavirus pandemic."

Doors open for the shows at 7pm for an 8pm start. Tickets for both shows are £18 each can be booked at www.funnybeeseness.co.uk